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University of Scranton administrator, Allegany native named director of university’s pre-health program

Aug 12, 2013 |

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y.— Monica Thomas, Ph.D., has been named director of the Franciscan Health Care Program at St. Bonaventure University.

Thomas, who is an Allegany, N.Y., native, has been director of the Center for Health Education and Wellness at the University of Scranton since 2007. She replaces Dr. Allen Knowles, who had been director of St. Bonaventure’s pre-health care program since 2008.

“Dr. Thomas brings with her an admirable record of service and success in higher education, above all promoting health education and wellness. Her experiences to date, as well as her demonstrated commitment to student success and great interest in working with partner institutions to promote it, ensure that St. Bonaventure University will continue to benefit from able leadership in articulating its Franciscan Health Care Programs. I am delighted that Monica is joining us,” said Dr. Wolfgang Natter, dean of St. Bonaventure’s School of Arts and Sciences.

Thomas has a doctoral degree in human development from Marywood University with a specialization in health promotion. She received her master’s in education from Elmira College and her bachelor’s in education from Slippery Rock University.

In her role at Scranton, Thomas developed plans to address campus community concerns and needs through programming, outreach and prevention-related services with the ultimate goal of promoting individual health.

She also taught health and physical education at East Stroudsburg (Pa.) University from 2004 to 2007, and at Marywood from 1997 to 2000; and was the women’s basketball coach at Keystone College from 2000 to 2004. Thomas began her career as a physical education teacher in the Elmira City School District (1990-1997).

At St. Bonaventure, Thomas will provide leadership in the management of pre-med student advising and program coordination on behalf of students pursuing their studies in various health-care professions. She will begin her new post Aug. 19.

Thomas will also oversee the university’s selection process for all dual-admission students, work with administration to expand opportunities with health care professional schools, and collaborate with Olean General Hospital in administration of field learning and other educational opportunities.

The university has highly competitive dual-admission programs in osteopathic and allopathic medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and physical therapy with schools such as George Washington University, University at Buffalo, LECOM, SUNY-Upstate Medical, and Daemen College.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. We are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition. Our students are becoming extraordinary.